Hybrid working from home - here to stay?

Hybrid working from home - here to stay?

The Australian workforce continues to evolve following the changes imposed by Covid-related lockdowns. In addition, there has been increased focus on a healthy work-life balance, with employees continuing to prefer working from home at least some days a week or part-time. For some companies, working from home (WFH) has always been an option, but it was only introduced on a large scale as a result of covid lockdowns. The strict health measures may have ended, but the new workplace flexibility is here to stay for many white-collar employers. So, it is necessary to review your risk management plans and look at the best way to minimise your WFH risks.

Is a work from home arrangement right for your business?

There are various reasons why employees may want to work from home either part-time or full-time. These could be caring for an elderly relative or children, distance to work or just for a better work-life balance. Recently a poll was undertaken and many of the employers approached believed that time in the office is required for training and culture-building. Yet, some time working from home does not affect productivity and may give a better work-life balance to employees. All employees can request workplace flexibility, however, not all are legally entitled. The FairWork Ombudsman has lots of free guidance and tips that will help you comply with workplace laws; these can be found at: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/tools-and-resources/best-practice-guides/flexible-working-arrangements 

Assessing work from home arrangements for specific employees:

Key questions that need to be asked include:

  • Does your employee need to be supervised in their role and how often?
  • What effect will this have on any potential teamwork?

If teamwork is important to the role or if they supervise other employees, then working home may not be practical. Not forgetting the costs of setting up a safe work environment in your employee’s home as employers bear the same responsibility for health and safety even if their employees work from home. 

Assessing insurance considerations for work from home employees:

Essential questions to be asked to manage WFH risks are:

  • If your employee meets with customers at their home, what happens if the customer injures themselves on their property?
  • What happens if your employee injures themselves at home during their work time?
  • What if all their business equipment is stolen, or their laptop or computer is infected by a cyber virus?

Below are some considerations that you should discuss with your adviser to ensure your insurance policies safeguard your business, employees and customers. 

  • Workers Compensation: Covers any psychological or physical injuries sustained by your employees when they are working from home.
  • Public Liability: Insurance that covers any injuries to customers on your employee’s premises. 
  • Computer Insurance: To cover loss or damage to company equipment. 
  • Cyber Insurance: To provide cover for hacking of smart phones and computers and loss of confidential, personal, or sensitive data by cyber criminals. 
  • Management Liability: Protects the directors and officers for legal costs and damages in the event of a breach of WH&S or employment laws. 

To assist you to decide whether you have the right insurances in place now for work at home employees, talk to one of our insurance professionals today. 

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General Advice Warning

The information provided is to be regarded as general advice. Whilst we may have collected risk information, your personal objectives, needs or financial situations were not taken into account when preparing this information. We recommend that you consider the suitability of this general advice, in respect of your objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. You should obtain and consider the relevant product disclosure statement before making any decision to purchase this financial product.

 

Directors & Officers/Management Liability Insurance

Directors & Officers/Management Liability Insurance

Many small and medium-sized business owners think they don’t need Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance as it’s only relevant to large multi-national companies. However, D&O insurance is just as important to SME’s as any other business.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Compensation

While some occupations and industries have a higher risk of workplace incidents and/or fatalities than others, Workers’ Compensation is compulsory for all Australian employers. It provides financial compensation to workers if they suffer a work-related injury or illness.

Find your local Insurance Adviser

Talk to your local Adviser to get advice about your insurance needs and to get a quote